‘Inspirational’ Students of the Year named by UHI North, West and Hebrides
UHI North, West and Hebrides has announced its Higher and Further Education Students of the Year for 2024-25, which celebrate outstanding and inspiring students.
Adam Hutchison (20), from Barcaldine, Argyllshire, has been named Further Education Student of the Year, in recognition of his ambition, determination and resilience. The NC Creative Music Sound Production and DJing student brings positivity and fun to everything he does and has become something of a local celebrity thanks to his lunchtime DJ sets on campus.
Robert McHenry (25), from Thurso, has been named Higher Education Student of the Year, in recognition of his academic excellence, determination and attitude to growth and development. He’s sourced funding to take his research further and his work is directly influencing how the onshore wind industry deploys environmental impact assessments.
Adam was chosen as UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Overall Student of the Year and will now go forward as a contender for the Overall UHI Student of the Year, which will be decided later this month.
Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “I want to congratulate every student who received a nomination – their achievements are testament to their hard work, determination, and resilience. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them and look forward to seeing what they go onto accomplish in the future.”
Adam Hutchison – Further Education Student of the Year 2024-25
Adam, who studied NC Creative Music Sound Production and DJing in Fort William, was nominated by his lecturer, Alasdair Murray.
Alasdair said: “Adam has clearly embraced everything the course has to offer. He has become a proficient DJ and put together a lunchtime show in the college café – the campaign for this even led to him being recognised in the local MacDonalds, much to his delight.
Whilst his cerebral palsy affects his motor skills and speech- he always comes to class positive and full of fun. This has had a knock-on effect with the rest of the class and has created a really vibrant, inclusive environment.
Adam has inspired everyone in the music department with his ambition, determination and resilience. His disability doesn't impact his inclusion in the class as he isn't afraid to ask others to help or include others in the tasks that he is carrying out.
The event he staged in the college cafe has kick-started more music events in the college campus which will help to benefit the other students on the music courses in Fort William. He’s a real asset to the course and to the college and we’re all really delighted for him.”
Adam, who has applied to study HNC Music next year, said: “Before choosing music, I struggled with being in busy environments – I initially chose to study an online course (NC Computing with Digital Media) for a year. Then, I spotted this course on the college website and applied for it. I really liked that the classes were face-to-face, and I was able to be part of a group. It’s meant travelling 3 days a week from near Oban, but it’s given me more confidence, and I've thoroughly enjoyed studying together with my classmates.
I’ve been well supported in my learning by my lecturers, and I’ve built my confidence through the different classes I studied. I've now managed to overcome any worries I had and have taken part in live performances and activities with the Buzz project in Lochaber.
Robert McHenry – Higher Education Student of the Year
Robert is doing a PhD in Environmental Sciences. He started his PhD, entitled “The eco-hydrological and biodiversity effects of peatland roads,” as a self-funded student. He quickly demonstrated both determination and ambition, and, following a successful funding application to SSE Renewables, his project was upgraded to a fully funded PhD.
Robert was nominated by Professor Roxane Andersen, his Director of Studies. He has been “academically excellent” throughout his PhD. He has already published his first peer-review paper in a prestigious journal, with a second paper submitted, presented at several international conferences, and secured additional funding to support his research.
Describing him as “kind, caring and always mindful of others,” Professor Andersen said: “I have supervised more than 20 postgraduate students in my career so far and I have rarely met one so self-motivated, not only to do research, but to look for opportunities for funding, training, learning, disseminating and continuing further. Rob has made excellent contributions to his academic field, but has also been able to translate his knowledge in a way that is influencing how industry - in this case, onshore wind energy - deploys environmental impact assessments. The project funders and all his supervisors have been very impressed by his professionalism and by his creativity - taking the research questions beyond what was initially imagined.”
Robert, who is based at the UHI Environmental Research Institute (ERI), Thurso, said: “I am very grateful to have been nominated and to receive the UHI North, West and Hebrides Higher Education Student of the Year award. I grew up in a small village in Ireland so moving to Thurso was quite familiar in some ways but learning how to do proper scientific research has been a steep learning curve. Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated by science and particularly in ecology. So, in many ways studying the animals, plants and hydrology of the Flow Country has been a realisation of that childhood fascination, even if it is not always what you expect! Highlights of my PhD include being able to explore the Highlands and Islands – both recreationally and for fieldwork – and the relaxed and sociable working environment at ERI.”